How to get good skin while travelling

Tried and true skincare advice for vacationers — straight from the experts

Striding confidently out of a plane after a long overnight flight with glowing skin may sound like a dream to most but it’s easily achievable with a little effort put into an in-flight skincare routine, say experts.

Here are their tips for you.

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

Expect your skin to become quite dehydrated even on short flights, says Dermalogica Singapore’s Education Manager, Teri Tay.

“In fact, within an hour of flying, fine lines will appear and skin will start to look crinkly,” she says.

To combat these effects, she recommends treating skin with concentrated hydrating serums, even before departure, to boost its immunity to dry cabin air.

Dr Shiau Ee Leng, medical advisor at aesthetics clinic, ClearSK, recommends applying moisturiser every few hours for a short-haul flight or using a stronger hydrating mask on a longer flight.

It’s also best to go makeup-free on your journey. Try replacing your base with a tinted moisturiser or a light BB cream, says D’skin’s General Manager, Joyce Chu.

Skincare for all weather

If you’re headed to a winter wonderland, keeping your skin moisturised at your destination is equally (if not more) crucial than doing so on board.

For example, opt for a milk-based cleanser to help retain moisture in your skin. Try replacing your regular moisturisers with shea butter-based balms. These can prevent frost bites as well as moisture loss, says Teri.

Summer travel skincare, however, is a different ball game altogether.

Dr Shiau warns that in summer, strong ultraviolet rays may cause pigmentation and accelerated skin ageing.

“Apply sunblock in lotion or light gel form with at least SPF30-50, and reapply every hour if you choose to bask in
the sun,” she says.

Alternatively, if you’re holidaying in a city, she recommends using antioxidant-rich products to protect your skin from dust and pollutants.

Combat breakouts

If you’ve ever experienced a bad breakout while travelling, you’re certainly not alone, as skin tends to undergo immense stress from environmental changes.

To soothe a sudden breakout, start with using the right cleanser.

Use a non-scrub based exfoliant to help calm skin, as breakouts occur when pores are clogged, says Teri.

If you happen to have a clay mask with you, spot-treat the affected areas overnight, using clay’s anti-inflammation properties to dry out pimples.

“Have a mild anti-acne cream, like the ClearSK Acne Control Cream, on hand. It has botanical extracts, which can help kill bacteria and regulate oil production,” says Dr Shiau.

By Samantha Francis